India hockey players react to Pakistan withdrawal from Asian Champions Trophy

Indian hockey players Jugraj Singh and Suraj Karkera have expressed that the intensity of an India-Pakistan rivalry will be missed following Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asian Champions Trophy. Bangladesh will replace Pakistan in the six-team continental tournament, which is scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 5.

The tournament will be hosted in Punjab at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. Pakistan Hockey Federation president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani previously noted that the team's participation was subject to government clearance.

Despite the absence of their arch-rivals, the Indian team maintains a primary focus on winning the title. Singh noted the pride of playing in his home state, while Karkera remarked that while athletes do not wish to withdraw from tournaments, such decisions are often beyond their control.